That moment when he was dead, not living?
All he knew was that he could still hear Cindy’s voice in his head, as she sat next to him on the green bench. So familiar. So real. It didn’t feel like a vision, it felt like her. As if they’d been given one more moment. He kept going back to what she told him, because what she said had made all of the years since she left him take on a whole new meaning.
It was such a simple thing. Why hadn’t he realized it before?
I sent you Serena.
A gift.
A gift from death to life.
“Do you want to go inside, Jonny?” Serena asked him, turning her head and staring at him with her emerald eyes.
Oh, the color of those eyes.
Stride shook his head and didn’t let go of her hand. “Not yet. One more moment.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Jonathan Stride is having an anniversary—and so am I! It’s now been fifteen years since the release of my debut novel, Immoral, which was also the first book in the Jonathan Stride series. Some great people have been with me all along the way.
Blackstone published the audio edition of Immoral in 2005 and has produced the audio books for every Stride novel since then. Now, with Funeral for a Friend, they are also publishing my print and e-book editions. I have had such a rewarding partnership with them since the very beginning of my career—and I’m honored to have worked with so many talented people there. A big thanks to Haila Williams at Blackstone, who has long been an amazing supporter, friend, and fan. And a special nod to the Blackstone head of library sales, Stephanie Hall, who has not only been a huge advocate for my books, but has become a wonderful friend to me and Marcia (and our cats).
I’m grateful to have tremendous people working on my behalf. Deborah Schneider and her colleagues at Gelfman Schneider, ICM, and Curtis Brown have been my agents, allies, advocates, and friends for more than fifteen years. Special thanks to Cathy Gleason, Alice Lutyens, Josie Freedman, Penelope Burns, Claire Nozieres, and Lucy Morris.
My wife, Marcia, is my partner in everything I do, and she’s been at my side through more than thirty-five years of marriage. She’s not only the first and best advance reader of every new manuscript, she’s also my creative sounding board, my events manager, and my social media guru. I couldn’t do anything without her love and support.
Marcia and I are fortunate to have some amazing friends who provide support for us, including Ann Sullivan (not only a friend but a great advance reader!), Barb and Jerry, Kathy, Sandee, Chuck, Rebecca, Sally, Matt and Paula, and many others. Thanks to them and my whole family for being such a wonderful part of our lives.
And a big, big thanks to the many readers, librarians, book reviewers, booksellers, and bloggers who have joined us on this journey during the last fifteen years. From the people of Duluth to readers across the country and around the world, Marcia and I are so grateful for your enthusiasm and excitement about my books, your help in spreading the word, and your friendship on social media and at events. We look forward to sharing books with you for a long time to come!
FROM THE AUTHOR
Thanks for reading the latest Jonathan Stride novel.
If you like this novel, be sure to check out all of my other books, too. Visit my website at BFreemanBooks.com to join my mailing list, get book club discussion questions, and find out more about me and my books.
Also, if you enjoy my books, please post your reviews online at Amazon, Goodreads, Audible, and other sites for book lovers—and spread the word to your reader friends. Thanks!
You can write to me with your feedback at Brian@BFreemanBooks.com. I love to get e-mails from listeners and readers around the world, and yes, I reply personally. You can also “like” my official fan page on Facebook at facebook.com/BFreemanFans or follow me on Twitter or Instagram using the handle BFreemanBooks. For a look at the fun side of the author’s life, you can also “like” my wife Marcia’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheAuthorsWife.
ALSO BY BRIAN FREEMAN
The Jonathan Stride Series
Immoral
Stripped
Stalked
In the Dark
Spitting Devil (E-Short Story)
Turn to Stone (E-Novella)
The Cold Nowhere
Goodbye to the Dead
Marathon
Alter Ego *
Stand-Alone Novels
Thief River Falls
The Deep, Deep Snow
Spilled Blood
The Frost Easton Series
The Night Bird
The Voice Inside
The Crooked Street
The Cab Bolton Series
* Cab Bolton also appears in Alter Ego
The Bone House
Season of Fear
Robert Ludlum’s
Jason Bourne Series
The Bourne Evolution